Novica
26.01.2025

Ahead of the Senior Team of Cedevita Olimpija is a Return to Home Court

On Sunday at 6:00 PM, the Dragons will host Mornar-Barsko Zlato in the 18th round of the regular season of the AdmiralBet ABA League at Arena Stožice. Cedevita Olimpija will aim to return to the winning path and secure their fourth consecutive victory in the competition. The team, led by head coach Zvezdan Mitrović, has … Continued

On Sunday at 6:00 PM, the Dragons will host Mornar-Barsko Zlato in the 18th round of the regular season of the AdmiralBet ABA League at Arena Stožice.

Cedevita Olimpija will aim to return to the winning path and secure their fourth consecutive victory in the competition. The team, led by head coach Zvezdan Mitrović, has lost only once in their last nine ABA League games, climbing into playoff contention. Recently, the Dragons defeated Dubai in the UAE with a thrilling 85:84 win at the Coca-Cola Arena.

The Ljubljana squad continues to fight for playoff qualification in the EuroCup as well, boasting a 10-6 record after 16 games. In their group, they trail only Valencia, who will visit Stožice on Tuesday at 6:30 PM for a critical matchup that could impact not only playoff seeding but also the race for a direct spot in the EuroCup quarterfinals. Hapoel Jerusalem, Türk Telekom, Cluj, JL Bourg, and Umana Reyer are all one win behind Cedevita Olimpija.


TICKET PURCHASE:

Tickets for the game are available at vstopnice.olimpija.com, Eventim Slovenia, and the Petrol Ticket platform. Tickets can also be purchased at all Petrol gas stations across Slovenia.

The ticket office and doors of Arena Stožice will open at 5:00 PM. The NLB “Fast Lane” entrance will also be available, providing quicker access to fans presenting an NLB bank card.

In line with the “Green Five” initiative, fans are encouraged to arrive on foot, by bicycle, scooter, or public transport. Ticket holders can ride Ljubljana public transport buses free of charge three hours before and after the game.


TV BROADCAST:

The game will be broadcast live on Kanal A and Arena Sport Slovenia 1. Studio coverage will begin at 5:30 PM on Arena and at 5:40 PM on Kanal A.


FAN ZONE:

In the fan zone, supporters can test their basketball skills with shooting contests and obstacle courses. Younger fans can enjoy coloring activities, while the 6.Zmaj Corner will feature fun games and attractive prizes. Woop! Slovenia will entertain with a Cornhole game!

During the break between the third and fourth quarters, a half-court shot competition sponsored by Zavarovalnica Triglav will take place. Before the game and during the first inter-quarter break, a prize game by Heka Supplements will be held.

At halftime, the younger generation of the dance group Ladies, linked with Cedevita Olimpija’s Green Ladies, will perform.

After the game, fans are invited onto the court for autograph signings and photo opportunities with their favorite players.


PRE-GAME STATEMENTS:

“We’ll approach this game cautiously, as it comes during a tricky period,” said head coach Zvezdan Mitrović. “The players can’t underestimate or make mistakes. We’re doing our best as a staff to prepare the team, though we only have one day. After our trip, the players had a rest day, and on Saturday, we started preparations. The game against Krka was a lesson for us in terms of focus. Mornar has strengthened recently, so they’re a different team than during our first matchup. Even then, we struggled for the win. The players need to stay focused and play at the level we know we can. If we relax too much, it could be dangerous, as Mornar is offensively gifted.”

“Mornar will arrive relaxed, as they have little to lose but much to gain, making them especially dangerous,” added point guard Aleksej Nikolić. “Every game matters for us, as we’re still fighting for the playoffs. We need to perform well and do everything to secure the win.”


GAME PREVIEW:

Cedevita Olimpija returns home after four consecutive road games. The Dragons will host Mornar, a team struggling this season but still capable of challenging any opponent. In 2025, the Slovenian champions have so far defeated Krka, Aris, and FMP at home and secured road wins against Hapoel, Lietkabelis, and Dubai. However, they recently fell to JL Bourg in France (87:82). Despite a late rally, the Dragons couldn’t overturn the third-quarter deficit. Devin Robinson led the team with 17 points, followed by DJ Stewart with 13.

Mornar-Barsko Zlato has recorded only one win in 17 ABA League games this season and sits at the bottom of the standings. However, with recent additions Roko Rogić and Drew Pember, the Montenegrin side aims to climb out of last place. Their standout player is Chico Mellichamp Carter Jr., who averages 14.8 points and 3.4 assists per game.

In their previous matchup this season, Cedevita Olimpija secured a victory in Bar. After a tight first half and trailing midway through the third quarter, the Dragons surged ahead with a 17-point run. Derek Ogbeide led the team with 17 points, while captain Jaka Blažič added 16.


ADMIRALBET ABA LEAGUE, ROUND 18

Arena Stožice (Ljubljana, Slovenia), Sunday, January 26, 6:00 PM:
CEDEVITA OLIMPIJA – MORNAR-BARSKO ZLATO (Tickets available; live broadcast on Kanal A and Arena Sport Slovenia 1)


LOOKING AHEAD:

After the clash with Mornar, Cedevita Olimpija will face Valencia on Tuesday at 6:30 PM in their final EuroCup home game of the regular season. This critical matchup will impact playoff qualification and the race for second place, which grants a direct quarterfinal berth. Tickets are available at vstopnice.olimpija.com. The Dragons will then hit the road for games against Split and Hamburg.

 

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